Announcements: The 26^thNational Cancer Week — April 15, 2020

China’s 26^thNational Cancer Week is held from April 15 to 21 and was initiated by the China Anti-Cancer Association in 1995.

Cancer is an important cause of death worldwide. Globally, it had caused 9.6 million deaths and 233.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALY), and the total number of deaths has been increasing according to the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017 (1). With economic growth and population aging, China is suffering a larger burden of disease. The 4 cancers with the most diagnoses were lung, stomach, liver, and esophageal cancer, which account for 57% of cancers in China (2). Among these four causes, two of them were gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers; in addition, colorectal cancer is also increasing. Proactive prevention, intervention, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment may improve the effectiveness of disease management and prolong the survival time of patients and reduce mortality.

Cancer prevention and control is not only a health issue, but also a livelihood issue, an economic issue, and a social issue. Themed “Joint Action for Anti-Cancer”, this year’s publicity week aims to advocate the government, society, and individuals to take active action, create a healthy and supportive environment, widely promote cancer prevention awareness, and enhance public awareness and capacity of cancer prevention to reduce social harm and the burden of disease.